Illini display ability to finish at the rim

No. 23 Illinois isn’t going to play beat the clock this season. With players who can get to the rim, the Illini don’t want to wait 35 seconds before trying to score.

In a 95-67 victory over Division II Missouri Southern in the exhibition opener Friday in Assembly Hall, the Illini were more run-and-gun than those days when the shot clock would evaporate, leaving fans to squirm in their seats and wonder what coach Bruce Weber was thinking.

JOHN SUPINIE

No. 23 Illinois isn’t going to play beat the clock this season. With players who can get to the rim, the Illini don’t want to wait 35 seconds before trying to score.

In a 95-67 victory over Division II Missouri Southern in the exhibition opener Friday in Assembly Hall, the Illini were more run-and-gun than those days when the shot clock would evaporate, leaving fans to squirm in their seats and wonder what coach Bruce Weber was thinking.

“That’s always the question in the Rotary, Kiwanis and Lion’s Club,’’ Weber said. “You going to have those 35-second plays, take bad shots and dribble it out? If you have more guys who can create, it definitely helps you.’’

Even though the Illini went with the upperclassmen in the starting lineup — Demetri McCamey, guard Alex Legion, forwards Dominique Keller and Mike Davis with center Mike Tisdale — the four-man freshman class injected the athleticism and ability to finish plays that have Illini fans anxiously awaiting the regular season.

Illinois faces Division II Quincy in the final exhibition game on Nov. 8 before the regular-season opener against Southern Illinois-Edwardsville on Nov. 13.

OK, so the Illini coughed up too many turnovers in the first half (15 turnovers with 17 baskets made), then lost only four in the second half. The defense is still a work in progress, but the Illini have only scratched the surface with a young, promising lineup.

“You can tell we have talent,’’ said McCamey, a junior guard. “It’s just practice right now. You have to get better everyday. It came with intensity. Turnovers, the season is young. It’s just started. It’s the first game of the year. You can’t look at the turnovers.

“You look at the energy and the good things. The turnovers can be corrected. That comes with practice.’’

McCamey had 16 points and seven assists to lead Illinois. Freshman guards D.J. Richardson (14 points) and Brandon Paul (13) also scored in double figures. Richardson struggled with nerves and three early turnovers before settling down, and Paul slashed to the rim.

If a concern about getting to the free-throw line carried over from last season, it’s likely moot. Paul was 7-for-10 from the line, and the team was 26-of-37. Remember, this was a team that didn’t even attempt a free throw in a home loss to Penn State last season.

“Last year, we didn’t get to the free-throw line and didn’t get easy baskets,’’ Weber said. “We’ve got guys who can get to the basket.’’

Freshman guard Joseph Bertrand logged 19 minutes after sitting out practice Thursday to rest his right knee, the third time he’s remained on the sidelines in 11 practices. Bertrand battled swelling in the knee during preseason practice after undergoing cartilage surgery in early September. He will likely sit during practice Saturday, and Weber will make a decision later on Bertrand’s status and a possible redshirt.

“I told him, ‘We’re happy with you, proud of you and how you battled. I didn’t know how tough you were,’” Weber said. “He really wants to be part of it. He’s really pushing not to redshirt. We just have to see. Yesterday, we sat him so we could get him in the game and get some time. It continues to swell.’’

Everyone played except junior guard Jeff Jordan and redshirt freshman center Stan Simpson. Jordan knew he wouldn’t play in the exhibition opener, Weber said, after rejoining the team following preseason conditioning. Simpson’s spot in the program appeared more tenuous when Weber announced that Simpson must clear up his academics.

'If you're struggling, you better get your butt in the classroom and be in the front row,' Weber said of the redshirt freshman.

Illinois led 19-1 but Missouri Southern pulled within 32-24 late in the first half. The Illini led 49-28 at halftime. After an early basket, the Illini lead was never smaller than 22 points in second half. Missouri Southern was picked to finish seventh in the MIAA Conference.